Therapeutic Youth Mentor

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Inc.; Colstrip (MT); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

YBGR is seeking a Therapeutic Youth Mentor to help youth build resilience, strengthen life skills, and develop healthy coping strategies. You will foster positive relationships, model appropriate boundaries, and support treatment goals as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The role includes community-based activities, crisis support, and thorough EHR documentation. A valid driver’s license and background checks are required; willingness to obtain First Aid/CPR certification is expected.

Qualifications

• 21 years of age or older.
• Criminal and child abuse clearances required by Montana.
• Driver’s license to operate a vehicle.
• Willingness to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Must adhere to safety and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting, professional relationships with youth receiving mental health services.
• Serve as a positive role model with healthy boundaries and coping strategies.
• Support youth in treatment plan goals with therapists and team.
• Facilitate skill-building activities in communication, problem solving, and emotional regulation.
• Accompany youth in community settings to promote socialization and independence.
• Provide crisis support and de-escalation per YBGR protocols.
• Document accurately in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Collaborate with therapists, families, and partners to coordinate care.
• Participate in supervision, meetings, and ongoing training.
• Adhere to YBGR values and safety procedures; pursue local certifications as needed.

Skills

Rapport building

Professional boundaries

One-on-one & group work

Team collaboration

Active listening

Communication skills

EHR documentation

Judgment & ethics

Motivation & adaptability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

EHR software

Job description

Position Summary: The Therapeutic Youth Mentor (TYM) plays a vital role in helping youth build resilience, strengthen life skills, and develop healthy coping strategies. This position is centered on creating positive, supportive, and professional relationships while serving as a role model. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the TYM ensures individualized, compassionate care and supports each youth in reaching their treatment goals.Starting Salary Range: $16.19 - $18.22 per hour. Salary reflects steps 1-5 of an 11-step pay schedule. The starting salary will be determined based on the applicant’s education and relevant experience.Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:Build and maintain trusting, professional relationships with youth receiving mental health services.Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating healthy choices, appropriate boundaries, and effective coping strategies.Support youth in achieving treatment plan goals as outlined by therapists and the treatment team.Facilitate engaging skill-building activities focused on communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and daily living skills.Accompany youth in community settings to promote socialization, independence, and positive peer interactions.Provide crisis support and de-escalation when needed, following YBGR protocols.Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR), in compliance with agency standards.Collaborate with therapists, case managers, families, and community partners to ensure coordinated care.Actively contribute to organizational goals, including Performance Quality Improvement (PQI) initiatives.Model YBGR’s mission, values, and professional standards in all interactions.Adhere to agency policies, safety procedures, and compliance requirements.Take initiative in identifying challenges and seeking effective solutions.Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training.Remain aware of and responsive to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the youth and families served.Perform other duties as assigned.21 years old or olderCriminal / Child Abuse Clearance: Must pass criminal record and child abuse registry background check as required by the State of Montana.High School Diploma or GEDDriver’s license to operate passenger vehicleRequired Abilities/SkillsStrong ability to build rapport and engage therapeutically with youth.Knowledge of professional boundaries and confidentiality practices.Ability to work with youth both individually and in group settings.Collaborative approach to teamwork with the ability to work independently when needed.Excellent active listening, communication, and interpersonal skills.Proficiency in completing documentation in an electronic health record; minimum typing speed of 35 WPM (Microsoft Office 365 experience preferred).Sound judgment, ethical decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.Self-motivated, dependable, and adaptable with a team-oriented mindset.Commitment to YBGR’s values: Faith, Integrity, Relationship, and Stewardship.Willingness and ability to obtain certification in First Aid/CPR and Violence Intervention Prevention.Physical/Environmental Demands & Requirements:Services may be delivered in homes, schools, community settings, and agency facilities.Flexible schedule may be required, including evenings or weekends.Moderate physical activity may be involved, including recreation with youth.Rare involvement in the physical restraint of youth (50–300 lbs) when safety is at risk.Must be able to accurately observe, interpret, and respond to verbal and non-verbal client behavior.Exposure to high-stress situations during crisis intervention.Travel to other locations may be required as needed to meet with employees, clients, families, and other stakeholders. This may involve the use of a personal vehicle and may include transporting clients. For approved travel beyond the designated office location normal commute, mileage reimbursement will be provided if using a personal vehicle.